Tyler and his mates making their mark

SOCCER: Seven Gladstone players are making their mark in the Brisbane-based major competitions.

Yaralla Mariners' coaching mentor Grant Costello said none of the players looked out of place.

"The grounding of football that we've had here under the CQ Mariners has prepared them perfectly to be able to play in the National Premier League competition," he said.

Tyler Wise and Jesse Sharpe were both selected to play in the under-15 South West Queensland Thunder team.

Tyler and Jesse's team have not yet won a match after three rounds, but more importantly Tyler is loving the experience since he accepted a scholarship at Toowoomba Grammar.

"This first week was difficult as I didn't know anyone or where my classes were, but once I got to know some of the lads and how the school worked I became more comfortable," he said.

Logan Costello in red.Contributed GLA200218SOCCER

"It is great to have good team-mates, teachers and coaches with me who are constructive and want the best out of you."

Tyler said having played at a high level in representative matches has helped him at NPL level.

"The style of play is harder and faster than in the Inter City Challenge competition and it is similar to what we played at the National Youth Championships last year," he said.

"We train twice a day and it is also a more physical game, so we work on strength in the gym as part of our training program."

He also trains with the Toowoomba Grammar School before and after school and has specialist training with a Brazilian coach.

He trains with his club three nights a week. "We have required study time for two hours every night so that we can get our assignments and other school work completed," Tyler said.

"On the weekends we play school sport against other GPS schools on Saturday, volleyball first term and football second and NPL football on Sunday which could be anywhere from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane or Gold Coast."

Fateh Brar plays for Redlands United U15's side in the NPL and Logan Costello and Tiaan Engelbrecht play for United's U14 and U13 teams respectively.

Baden Larkin plays for Ipswich Knights' U15 side in the Football Queensland Premier League while Tegan Van Vegchel is in her first season with Sunshine Coast Wanderers in the U15 NPL Queensland competition.